Residency Learning Networks: Why and How.

Residency learning networks are becoming increasingly important in family medicine education. These networks range from focused conferences to collaborative practice improvement initiatives, helping to scale innovations, develop faculty and residents, and provide peer-to-peer expertise. Evidence shows that networks can improve clinical outcomes, knowledge, teamwork, and quality improvement skills. Successful networks involve regular communication, in-person meetings, and ongoing support between meetings, though challenges include competition concerns and cost-effectiveness considerations. The American Board of Family Medicine supports residency networks as foundational to residency redesign, viewing them as critical for implementing complex changes in family medicine education and practice over the next decade, including competency-based education and community engagement.